There are many variations of the “plank” — a fundamental yoga pose that strengthens pretty much every major muscle group in the body. Some of them are advanced, as demonstrated by Y spinning instructor Ashley Pochick (left), and some are more basic. Whatever level of plank a person can accomplish, however, will ultimately result in increased strength and balance if done regularly.
As a way to motivate people to work the simple exercise into their busy lives, the Montclair Y has thrown out the “Promise to Plank” challenge, which involves striking any variation of the pose and holding it for 1 minute, every day.
“No one can say they’re too busy to do one minute’s worth of fitness a day,” said Paul Mickiewicz, Senior Program Director at the Park Street Y. “The plank is an efficient exercise, and it can be done pretty much anywhere.”
Mickiewicz created a blog for the campaign, and posts photos of community members planking in a variety of settings. To make it fun, he offers categories such as inspiriational plank, humorous plank, family plank, etc.
Want to learn to plank? Head over to the Montclair Y or click here for a beginner’s demo.
Take a look at community plankers here.
I would do a plank pose right now in San Diego airport but security would be on me in no time flat! I probably can get away with some chair yoga though…….PAZ in SAN
Plank poses are frickin’ hard, especially the one-armed ones on the side. One minute? Are you kidding me? My arms start to quiver and shake after about 10 seconds.
It’s fun to plank at the Y-M-C-A (Oh, wait, can’t say that anymore).
Yes, the plank is hard but the results are worth it.
I started yoga as a young bride eons ago when Richard Hitleman was on TV and downward dog or plank had yet to be named. I’ve been stretching and posing, attending classes or using at home tapes ever since. To plank or not to plank that is the question. Do it while you can because the aging process is not kind.
Yeah, let’s see some pictures of older people planking.
Send ’em to tips@baristanet and I’ll add them to the post.
Howard: Define “older?” LOL.
The plank, I am told, helps to strengthen the abs and core, very important for both young and old alike.
these photos are not humorous.
Is Ashley Pochick a real name, or is Ashley just a po’ chick? Whatever her financial status, she looks very strong.